The styles of AthFest fashion, explained

The streets of Athens, Georgia transformed into a vibrant runway during the 2024 AthFest Music and Arts Festival. Amid the music of local bands and the captivating displays of art installations, festival-goers showcased a wide range of fashion as unique as Athens itself. Here are a few of the trends that The Red & Black took note of at this year’s festival.

Punk fashion

Despite AthFest’s scorching temperatures, many attendees opted for a punk look. This fashion subsection is identifiable by leather accessories, dark clothing and more. Brandon Garrett, known as “Trubb,” sold his handmade clothing pieces at AthFest that favored a punk style.

Garrett began creating clothing for his punk band Hollowbody, as well as his blossoming rap career. He said that he wanted something unique, and in the end, just decided to make his own apparel. All of Garrett’s pieces are upcycled garments that he has painted on, added spikes to, manually distressed and threaded safety pins through.

“I’ve always wanted designer things, more expensive things, high fashion as people call it,” Garret said. “So I made my own.”

Though punk fashion was not the most popular fashion trend at AthFest this year, Garrett said that he was selling his clothing to anyone and everyone.

“There’s no genre or race that are my people,” Garrett said. “It’s more of how you wear your clothes.”

Dr. Martens, also known as Doc Martens, were a staple for many attendees at AthFest this year. Doc Martens have generally been a staple for punk looks, but at AthFest, many festival-goers paired the thick, leather shoes with all kinds of outfits.

Western-coastal

The coastal cowgirl look has recently taken social media by storm. According to People Magazine, this fad is identifiable by airy materials paired with warm-toned neutrals and denim.

The classic floral sundresses, Western-style hats and cowboy boots were revitalized in a whole new way at AthFest 2024.

Daliz Casablanca is a biology student at the University of Georgia from Puerto Rico. She said that in a rush to get ready for AthFest, she grabbed a pink, white and orange sundress from her closet to wear for the day. Her hurried choice fit right in with many of the attendees who were also clad in similar sundresses.

Many attendees embraced this trend by pairing denim with lightweight skirts and dresses. Many attendees opted for denim vests, while others chose jean shorts for their outfits. Additionally, many attendees ditched the denim altogether and preferred a simple look of a sundress with boots.

Bohemian festival look

A Vogue article written by Joy Montgomery stated that Boho trends and midi lengths could make their way back into mainstream fashion, and AthFest attested to that theory. Casablanca said that one trend she had noticed around AthFest that she particularly enjoyed wasthe Boho style.

Long, flowy skirts, puff sleeves, linen button downs and loose, lightweight pants were popular choices among attendees. With temperatures above 90 degrees Farenheit the entire weekend, it made sense for loose, light clothing to be in trend among the attendees.

Some attendees opted for more earthy tones with their outfits, fully embracing the organic, free-spirited fashion style, while others took their Bohemian style in a different direction with bright colors and abstract patterns.

Melisa Holmes, owner of the soon-to-open store “The Nest” in Athens, elevated the classic sundress look with a salmon linen dress embroidered with an array of faunas and butterflies. She said that she bought the dress at a Lyndon House Art Show from an artist that hand-embroidered all of the designs. Holmes said that she wanted to wear the custom dress to AthFest because she believes “it represents the artistic community.”

However, the Bohemian styles did have a few things in common; many sported gold jewelry, cowboy boots and other eclectic accessories.

Y2K

The Y2K style has gradually made its way into mainstream fashion in the last few years. This style is characterized by bold, playful and futuristic elements that are nostalgic of the early 2000s.

Neons, bold patterns and baggy jeans debuted at AthFest. Abigail Darwin, the food for health manager at Wholesome Wave Georgia, bought a pair of bright green glasses and matches her outfit to them everyday.

Darwin’s love for thrifting, handmade items and color has made her style into what it is today. On Saturday, June 23, Darwin matched a white dress with green and yellow floral patterns with bright green platform Croc sandals, a green leather belt and to top it all off, her signature green glasses.

“I feel like everybody wears something to AthFest that makes them feel like the best version of themselves… or a dance outfit that makes them feel really good or really confident,” Darwin said. “I’m excited to spend the evening with folks who put their best dress on.”